ADVENT 4 St Thomas’ Day

A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel. God is with us.    Matthew 1.23.

O Emmanuel, hope of the nations and their Saviour: come and save us, Lord our God.
Lord Jesus, come soon.

Heavenly Father, who choose the Virgin Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour, now fill us with your grace, that we in all things may embrace your will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

St. Thomas’ Day.

Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.
John 20.29

Almighty and everlasting God, who strengthened your Apostle Thomas with faith in the resurrection of your Son. We thank you for the immense work of St Thomas (MAR THOMA) here in Iraq. Strengthen us when we doubt, and make us faithful disciples of Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. Amen.

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed various orders of ministers in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all who are called to any office or administration in the same; and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee to the glory of thy great Name, and to the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE WORLD:
Pray for peace in the world. Pray for children especially all those who were with us on Friday and all the Children at St George’s Church.

Pray for our leaders. Pray for unity in the Church and amongst the nations. Pray for all people.

And in a moment of silence or out loud we bring to God all in need of our prayers at this time.

O God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem, may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen Amen and Amen.

Christmas Eve -
Day: December 24th - 25th

I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall come to all the people; for to you is born this day a Savior, Christ the Lord. Luke 2. 10 - 11

By the birth in time of the timeless Son of God, Hear us, O Lord, and grant us your peace.

Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance on your one true light. As we have known the revelation of that light on earth, bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

The last few days have been terribly busy as usual but have also been wonderful. Today was quite exceptional. The US Troops organized a Christmas Party for many of the Children at St George’s. Most of the Children present were Christian but some were also Muslim and Mandian. We started off with a day of playing in the Green Zone. They played games like the Egg and Spoon race, Volley Ball, American Football and Soccer. The weather was wonderful and the troops did an incredible job. We then had a mammoth barbecue, once again cooked by the soldiers. We played more games then went to the press centre for a party. The other day President Bush may have had shoes thrown at him but today Father Christmas came.

The children sang and danced the adults and soldiers joined in. Then every child was given a box of presents from Father Christmas (or Papa Noel as he is called here). The US military where simply wonderful. On TV all you see is the negative things, today all we saw was the positive. I must confess that I get very annoyed when people are so anti the military I continue to say they are the biggest peacemakers in the world today. I know that some people will not like me saying this but this is true and my experience.

The rest of the week has involved endless meetings. The best being with General Porter, one of the top British Military officers here. It is wonderful that he knows my family; he grew up in the same church as Caroline, my wife, and even used to cut my in-laws lawn to earn money when he was a boy. Tomorrow is another day of much activity when we have the big bazaar of the Mothers Union.

Blessings from Baghdad,

Canon Andrew White
President of FRRME & Rector of St George’s Baghdad

By the Rivers of Babylon

BY STRATTON LAWRENCE

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A56414

Greetings from Baghdad. It has not been a very good morning here. The bombs have been exploding, people have been killed and rockets have been flying all around here in the IZ, Baghdad. Yes, security has improved but it is still the most dangerous place in the world. And Gordon Brown has been here, that is probably why things are so difficult. Despite all the difficulties we have been continuing with our work. A lot of the main religious leaders are still not back from Hajj (Mecca Pilgrimage) but we are doing what we can. There are many church issues we are dealing with, not least the multitude of medical problems.

Today we have our major clinic and church meeting. Later, in the evening, I will be with General Roddy Porter, who is a very committed Christian. On Friday we have the major party that the US Chapel is organizing for the Children at the church. We continue to work on the other issues that we cannot mention.

Blessings,
Andrew

So I am back in Iraq - just days after my worst relapse since I was last taken into hospital two years ago. Thursday was my worst day probably ever. The amazing news was that my Consultant Neurologist came down to see me at home in Hampshire in the UK, some 50 miles. She was able to give me the treatment and infusion I needed. Whilst she was injecting me in the liver I had another serious brain stem attack so she saw firsthand what was happening. I could not return on Thursday to Iraq as I was supposed to but by Friday afternoon I did manage to leave. I have not had another attack since my consultant came and I have continued on very large amounts of steroids. I must admit that I have returned feeling very unwell but I am improving.

I arrived in Baghdad on Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon was spent at Church with the Danish Embassy staff able to be with us and see the whole church and clinic complex. Today has been another wonderful day with the US Embassy Chapel and Church. Chapel was great, the team are all so wonderful and we have another person who is willing to be a lay leader - he is actually British and goes to Church in the City of London. He is working for the Department of International Development in the Embassy.

Then we had the visit today of President George W Bush, so things have been rather tense, hectic and different today. It did not help that an Iraqi journalist threw both of his shoes at the President, one of the worst possible acts in Arabic culture. Then the highlight of the day: five hours spent at St George’s Church. I always say that when I go away for a while the church always grows. During this time of being away for two weeks it has grown more than ever. We are not talking a bout a few handfuls, but scores and scores of people. We now have over 2000 people and we simply can’t fit people in even though we now have services on Saturdays and Sundays and we can only allow people to come once. It is wonderful to see so many people worshiping the Almighty but I do worry about so many of the other churches being empty. Today the Muslim Minister of the Interior came with all his team and some of the Iraqi Generals.

The Minister told me that this was now the Church that the Government visited and related to because it was the largest Church. Yes there are problems with this rapid development but the Church is simply so amazing and filled with the Spirit of the Living God. The children were so pleased with the bracelets from the Churches in Charlotte and New Jersey. For them it is simply the greatest thing they can have.

The Mothers’ Union are working flat out at preparing for next Saturday’s Christmas Bazaar. This is one of the highlights of the year and it is sure to be wonderful. Church is now so expensive to run at over $65,000 each month. This will sure increase as the medical needs of some of our people are so great. The Lord always provides and will continue to.

So grace, peace and blessings from Baghdad, Andrew

Facebook

Whilst in the USA last weekend the young people in Charlotte led me to join facebook. I had avoided it for so long but have now succumbed. I will not be able to spend much time on it but here is the link anyway.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&id=617111368

Christmas Appeal 2008

We are still taking orders for our carefully selected range of gifts that will help us transform the lives of those in need. Each gift will be wholly used to provide for a person in Iraq or Israel. Gifts are priced from just $7 (£4.70) and we will acknowledge each purchase with an individually signed certificate of thanks for you to present to your loved ones at Christmas. Below is a list of gift choices:

1. A day for an old person in the Armenian Old People’s Home in Baghdad $13 (£8.70)
2. Provision of medicines for Houssan Clinic, Israel $12 (£8.00)
3. Supplies to cover the cost of a patient visit to the clinic in Baghdad $7 (£4.70)
4. Supplies to cover the cost of a visit to the Dentist in Baghdad $12 (£8.00)
5. Resources to run St George’s Church in Baghdad for a day $702 (£468.60)
6. Provision of food for a family in Baghdad for a month $32 (£21.35)
7. A week’s insulin supplies for Joseph, a young diabetes sufferer in Israel $100 (£66.62)
8. A Christmas Present for a child in Baghdad $12 (£8.00)
9. Running St George’s Church Baghdad for 1 hour $102 (£68.00)
10. Daily school provisions for the children of the Iraqi Human Rights Minister.
The boys must attend a school outside of Iraq for their personal safety $43 (£28.70)
11. Food supplies for an Ethiopian Jew in Israel for one week $28 (£14.50)

Please see our website donations page for more details on how to make one of these special gifts this Christmas:
http://www.frrme.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2&Itemid=3

ADVENT 3

Prayers from Baghdad

The Spirit of The Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted.
Isaiah 61.1.

God of power and mercy, you call us once again to celebrate the coming of your Son. We pray for our families and loved ones at this time when many of us are away from home. We pray for St George’s at this time and for all of us involved in the children’s party on Friday. Remove those things which hinder love of you, so that when Jesus comes, he may find us waiting in awe and wonder for him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

God of our hope, renew in us the joy of your salvation and make us all worthy servants of your great mission; fill us with unending joy and prepare us for the birthday of our Saviour, we ask this in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

O Morning Star, splendour of the light eternal and bright Son of righteousness: come and enlighten all who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. LORD JESUS,COME SOON. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Those who follow me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come quickly.

Creator of the universe, Source of all light, send you Son Jesus Christ to shine in this dark world. Help us to prepare our hearts to receive him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever.
Amen.

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from the lack of work and support. Guide the leaders of the world in the use of wealth and resources that every one may find suitable and fulfilling employment and a just reward for their labours, so that they may have support and nourishment of their families; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.

O God, it is your will that in this Holy Season, and at all times, that we draw heaven and earth into a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine in the waste lands of our wrath and sorrow; give peace among the nations, peace here in Iraq, in Afghanistan, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts and minds; through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.

Heavenly Father bless our human nature and way of life with honest industry, truthful education and an honourable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, arrogance, confusion and evil actions. Make us who come from many nations, with many different languages, into a people united by your love and peace. Defend our liberties and give to those to whom we have entrusted authority, and power of government, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and strength, that there may be justice, peace, equity and prosperity in the world; give us thankful hearts and do not let our trust in you fail. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

May the Christ child keep you all in his love, bless you with his peace, fill you with his faith, heal you with his grace and focus your hope on things eternal.
Amen.

In a moment of silence or out loud we pray for those in need of our prayers…

Be steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and untiring in love all the days of your life; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and those whom you love and pray for, now and always.
Amen

Well, I arrived back in the UK yesterday and did my speech in Parliament. Today I was supposed to return to Iraq but have been too ill to return. The really good news is that my doctor came all the way from London to see me has given me two infusions at home and has seriously increased my steroids for a week. When she was treating me I had another attack so she was able to see what happens and what the problem is and how to treat me. She called out our local doctor to take blood. So I am getting excellent treatment.

Our staff who are here at the moment, and some who are not have truly been outstanding and have stayed with me all day helping do what I have to do. I truly have some of the most outstanding staff I have ever had.

I hope and pray that I will be able to return to Iraq tomorrow but as yet I do not know if I will be well enough to.

In the mean time I am able to do much of the follow up to our outstanding time in the USA. I will send you a brief report on the visit in due course. In the mean time I ask for your prayers for my health.

Blessings,

Andrew

President of FRRME & Rector of St George’s Baghdad

Greetings from DC. As usual my time here has been rather intense. I have had Jason with me continually. The reality is, without him I would not have been able to cope; with him I can. We started off in DC and were able to meet some friends there. Then we moved to Cherry Hill, New Jersey where I preached at the River Church. This was simply wonderful. We were looked after so well and given a very generous donation for our Church in Baghdad. I can honestly say it was one of the best churches I have ever been to.

We were driven to DC by Jon who looked after us at the River Church. So Bill and Connie Wilson are now brilliantly taking care of us as they always do. Yesterday we had a very full day at the Pentagon and had our USA FRRME board meeting and lunch. This was outstanding and included our key players from the USA. The information given was excellent. We then went to get our new DOD common Access Cards which were issued for both Jason and me.

Greetings and blessings on Advent Sunday. I am sorry I am not with you but I am in the USA speaking at a DOD conference.  This Sunday I will be speaking at the River Church in Philadelphia at 9am, 11am and 6pm.  Please see www.riverchurch.tv.

On Tuesday night we have a dinner for over 30 people who were once part of the congregation in Iraq, including Ambassador Bremer. I will be back the Sunday after next.

Please see the links below for two articles of interest.

http://www.worldsecuritynetwork.com/showArticle3.cfm?article_id=16570&topicID=26
http://www.lifebite.co.uk/index.php/home/detail/a_white_christmas_in_iraq/

Blessings,
Andrew

Even in times of distress, anxiety and concern, we have much for which to be thankful: for life; family, home, friends and neighbours; health, caregivers, ability to work and serenity of life; faith and our religious community, for God who surrounds us on every side and leads us forward day by day. Remember, the sun is shining, even when we can’t see it.

FOR THESE AND ALL HIS MERCIES MAY THE LORD’S HOLY NAME BE PRAISED. Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all you have done for us. We thank you for the splendour of the whole creation, for the beauty of the world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessings of family and friends and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us. And we thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. Above all, we think you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his word and the example of his life, for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising again, by which we are raised to life in your kingdom. Grant us the gift of your Holy Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, we may give thanks to you for all things. Amen.

Almighty God, we pray for this Land of Iraq; may it return to honest industry, truthful education, and an honourable way of  life. Save us all here from violence, discord and confusion; from pride and arrogance;  and from every evil course of action. Make us a united people. Bless, guide and give wisdom to all Iraqi people and we especially pray for all at our sister Church of St George’s.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is our strength and our salvation. Amen.

Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21, 28. Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light, now and in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.

Hark what a sound, all too divine for hearing, stirs on the earth and trembles in the air! Is it the thunder of the Lord’s appearing? Is it the music of his people’s prayer?

Christ is the end, for Christ was the beginning.

Frederick Wm. H. Myers.

In a moments silence or out loud we pray for all those in need of our prayers at this time…

God for whom we wait, keep us ever watchful and ready to stand before you, and in the presence of him who is our salvation, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.